With a feel of elegance and sophistication, yet cosy and welcoming, the Grouse and Claret will suit all tastes with a high quality yet homely country inn feel.
The décor feels fresh and vibrant, but there are plenty of original features and nods to the local area and history. With a variety of dining rooms, bars and eating areas, every diner will have a nook to match the mood of the meal. A good mix of natural lighting, lamps and candles.
At the time of the visit, it was between Christmas and New Year. The decorations were tasteful and festive. Staff welfare is clearly a priority with walk ins restricted so as not to stretch staff or compromise quality.
The bar was well stocked with a decent choice of real ales and quality lagers. The menu had a great mix of traditional classics, family favourites with a twist and some really exciting and enticing new dishes. If you're a foodie wanting to explore new tastes, or a lover of good quality pub grub, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
As a family of five, with young children, we felt more than comfortable. Waiting staff were attentive to the kids, the layout made life easy with a buggy and all needs catered for. I spoke to another couple who were dining with a child who agreed it was a relaxed, child friendly establishment.
Onto the food…. For starters we had the Bruschetta, Soup, Prawn Cocktail and Hummus for the babies.
The first thing that hit me for the Bruschetta was the Garlic scent immediately. Crispy and soft in the centre, beautifully balanced flavour with ripe juicy tomatoes, sharp sweet onions and a generous helping of prosciutto. As a minor constructive criticism, the dish would perhaps have benefited from some rocket to add some variation of colour to the eye, and the peppery flavour on the palate would have complimented the dish perfectly.
The Prawn Cocktail had equally fresh salad and a good ratio of prawns. The sauce was mixed throughout with clear care when assembling.
There was a choice of two soups of the day! Our eldest went for the Mushroom, which was a lovely rich deep flavour. The bread on the side was wonderfully fluffy and crusty on the outside. Well seasoned and balanced.
The kids had the Hummus with Ciabatta. The Hummus was home-made, ciabatta a good size and good quality. It was polished off in record time!
For the mains we have the Bourbon Glazed steak, Bacon Cheeseburger and Hunters Chicken. The steak was a superbly high quality cut of meat, and the glaze was beautiful. It was a tad overdone but tender and juicy enough to not be a problem. When it arrived, the onion rings were missing. After asking twice they arrived overdone, before fresh perfectly cooked ones arrived, and were worth the wait! The chicken was succulent, with well smoked bacon. Chips were perfectly cooked, fluffy inside, crispy outers. The burger was absolutely amazing. Meaty with a nice texture, and the most phenomenal cheese sauce over the patties.
On to the puddings. What a choice! After much deliberation we went for the Torte, Chocolate Dome and Sundae. I cannot recommend the dome enough, so many layers to digest. A decedent crunchy dome, beautifully moist brownie, and the best sauce I’ve ever had, and a generous jug of it too!
The Sundae got a big thumbs up from Rory, it looked really impressive and good value.
The Torte was a brilliantly balanced flavour between the chocolate and Cherry.
At the time of visit it was too cold and wet to go outside, but having a nosey through the window showed a fabulously furnished beer garden which in summer months would be a comfortable and relaxing place for a drink or two.
The toilets were clean and of a high standard.
The Grouse boats 8 en suite rooms and a caravan site. From my experiences dining the idea of staying for a night or two definitely appeals. The idea of staying on the edge of the Peak District, a stones throw from Chatsworth, in between Bakewell and Matlock, and eating such superb food is a definite winner. Having camped many years ago at the site, I can say from experience how peaceful and pretty it is, particularly at the side of the stream.
Overall views. Food, excellent. Service, wonderful. Venue, a real treat. Good value, fresh ingredients and an inventive menu. Would highly recommend.
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